Test : Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor
Test : Alpha1-proteinase inhibitor Blood Test guide, Indications : Alpha1-Proteinase Inhibitor test is a laboratory test that is carried out to measure the amount of A1AT enzyme in your blood. This test is useful in diagnosing A1AT deficiency that causes a rare form of emphysema in adults and a rare form of cirrhosis in both children and adults. A1AT deficiency causes the liver and the lung to be exposed to the damaging effects of the proteases. This condition is hereditary and is likely to pass through families. Most of us have two copies of the A1AT gene. However, some individuals with sub optimal levels of the enzyme have one normal and one abnormal gene, while those with the severe form of the disease have two abnormal copies of the gene. The blood sample for the test is usually acquired by puncturing a vein in the forearm. This procedure involves very little risk. Physiology : Alpha-1 proteinase, also known as Alpha-1 Anti-Trypsin (A1AT), is an enzyme that functions as ...